The past few days have been a whirlwind of failures but nothing made him more frustrated than the idiots responsible for The Project.
This was the only thing that mattered to him of all his currents exploits case in point the unlimited resources made available to it from his billions of dollars to all his contacts in the various private and government facilities dealing with genetics.
The first chance of success presented itself during Darkseids invasion but the police and military were surprisingly efficient in cleaning up any and all evidences of it when the newly formed justice league defeated the dark lord.
He got his second chance when fate brought doomsday to earth but these idiots had to ruin it for him again further explaining why he was standing in a state of the art laboratory with scientists scrambling for their notepads each standing in their designated work stations ready to answer to him.
The laboratory was quite spacious for something located underground in a very crowded city in a country that had no treaties with the US government.
The facility initially belonged to his father who used it to conduct experiments on enhanced individuals from smallville mainly those that got affected by kryptonite. He inturn allowed the experiments to continue after adding a couple of floors to its already impressive underground structure repurposing it and hiring scientists specialized in genetics and cloning technology. He poached them from every known research facilities in the world; Star labs in star city, Queen Consolidate and Wayne Inc among them.
Amander wallers scientists were too afraid of her to be swayed by any amount he offered and yes, he had tried the blank cheque approach on them too.
"What do you need to rectify this problem?" The details in the files provided to him indicated the samples hadn't survived past the second phase in their pods. Getting to these samples after the fight was pure luck because no other leaguer was in sight and his people processed the scene discretely before the police had set up road blocks.
"We have everything we need but the samples got contaminated by the rain during their procurement." He explained with a worried look on his face. The scientist had heard of his reputation from his colleagues and knew they'd be lucky if they still had a job by the time his boss exits the facility. He also had a rule of never using his actual name when he was around.
"What about Dr. Christine's findings?"
"It had the same conclusion with ours." He passed a file handed to him by his assistant.
Dr. Christine was one of the consultants among the contacts made available to him by his boss. She was a well renown researcher cum scientist whose services was extremely difficult to acquire. One had to know a person who knew a person who knew a person who knew her at a professional level because according to his sources she was a loner who spent most of her time in the lab. His thought process was interrupted by his boss cursing.
"Damn it!" If Dr. Christine supports these results then there's no need to waste more time with these samples. "Who handled the samples upon arrival?"
The scientists in the room looked around at each other before all turned to look through the glass walls separating the two rooms which were sound proof so the scientist was still going about his business placing and replacing samples in their designated labeled test tubes.
"Would you be so kind to inform him I won't need his services anymore" his boss instructed before turning to walk out with the rest of the scientists looking at their oblivious colleague in pity.
This was the challenge experienced in their line of work, resigning or getting fired meant one no longer had the right to breathe because of all the intricate details they possessed in whatever project the were attached to. Those lucky enough to successfully negotiate for their freedom would agree to work for the organization any time they were called upon.
Sensing eyes on him, the elderly scientist looked up and across the wall at them then gave one nod of acknowledgement before proceeding with his work breaking the tension in the room and everyone getting back to work. It's a good thing they weren't fired.
Seems quality scientists were hard to come by in this time and generation becoming most of their thoughts. They couldn't complain about the work when they were earning more than most professional athletes in the world made in a year considering those athletes pulled together money from their sponsorships and advertisements when calculating their annual salary.
"I will acquire new samples for your team and I expect results. Failure will not be tolerated." He told his lead scientist.
According to his informant, the shapeshifter was on a space mission with green lantern meaning his sample would be acquired at a later date leaving him with the option of superman and the green guy he recently encountered. This would be a tall order he sighed.
"We will be ready." The scientist acknowledged caution creeping in at the direction his boss was heading to clearly indicating his intention.
A second chance at getting on his good side was a golden opportunity and they will all toil day and night till the expected results was achieved. I hope the one other project that developed complications the day before has been rectified he thought.
"You have a meeting with the board in one hour" his secretary reminded when she noticed he was heading to the other part where kryptonite experiments were being conducted.
"Move it to tomorrow." He dismissed her. It's been long since he visited this facility and he intended to know the status of each and every experiment being conducted. All the money he directed here should be accounted for in one way or another. This was his main facility with other smaller branches in various countries throughout the world.
"It's a meeting with the board members sir." She added hoping that he will reconsider since it was a vital meeting.
One board member showed up when the internal security sweep and audit was happening and managed to find discrepancies with the company's money and had called the meeting to discuss it. His failure to show up may indicate negligence on his part and the board members might be inclined to vote him out of the company. Like he would agree to that she mentally retracted and chuckled.
"Fine. Replace it with my 8 o'clock meeting." He agreed and noticed her smile no doubt because of her victory. It was high time he dealt with this matter once and for all. He didn't want his board members to start looking into every aspect of the business. That would be a drag that frankly lead to the loss of many lives. Majority of them were powerful people like himself meant that he needed to avoid killing them at all costs.
"Already done sir." She stated and he nodded, proceeding to the other levels.
Ever since she was given a substantial pay rise she had devoted her life to serve him and was always anticipating his every other need leading to her becoming more of a personal assistant than secretary. Other than his personal residences, she accompanied him everywhere he went and scheduled everything down to his coffee time. This devotion lead to her witnessing gruesome scenes till she adapted to his brutality. It was a pity the other scientist was already on his way to be sorted out. He looked like a kind and intelligent old man.
She looked up from her tablet when the scientist put in his credentials and opened the door to another room before ushering them in and the door closing with a click.
It took all her self control not to gasp at what she was looking at.
A dozen prison cells with thick glasses for walls (which she figured would be bullet and sound proof) lined the room with six on each side.
Two scientists wearing a heavily modified white protection gear akin to the ones the CDC use were in one cell examining the person inside.
One carried a vile of green liquid, what she assumed to be kryptonite and was injecting it into the mans arm.
The mans body started glowing a faint green before he passed out and started floating on his bed. The two scientists were alternating between checking his vitals and scribbling on their notebooks. She turned to her boss and saw the smile on his face. Maybe they're supposed to react like that she thought. All the other cells housed men and women of varying ages, with the minimum approximation to be 24 years.
"As you can see we made some progress with the serum." The scientist spoke up after a few minutes of watching.
"Although most subjects can only manage four doses of it before experiencing total internal organs failure" he added and winced when his boss's expression turned from nodding in approval to neutral.
If only I were a telepath and know what he was thinking the idea of granting himself superpowers when these experiments prove successful was always in his mind. That way he can retire without having to look over his shoulder the rest of his life.
"Every success story experiences setbacks from time to time. Good work. I trust you to figure it out" Creating the serum took a lot of years and resources to let one minor setback hinder him from noticing the progress. He did right in appointing this particular scientist for the job.
I have impeccable tastes for new hires he thought glancing at his secretary.
"Thank you sir." The scientist was pleased to hear that. A win is a win he thought before proceeding to the other labs where he could showcase all the kryptonite powered weapons they've managed to build. This was another section his boss was interested in. At the back of their minds all the scientists knew their use but none have ever voiced it out.
Lex Luthor sat in his home office in one of his many mansions nursing a glass of bourbon in one hand reviewing all the footages he had pertaining to the new group of heroes including the attempted infiltration at their base.
He watched their failed attempt at the base.
I need to acquire their samples and possibly the host of the samples if only he could have his way.
This would prove dangerous if the said man turnrd into the green being mid capture and turn against them by going on a killing spree, after all it had the strength to back its actions.
He was also staring at the faces of the two late arrivals to their party. The woman was a strong telepath given by how easily she dismantled Grodds illusion and put up a challenge for Poison Ivys plants.
He had to get to her too with the thought of finally getting rid of Grodd appealing to him. He had to act fast because the said telepath had also taken an interest in her and has most likely started plotting against him.
Ungrateful idiots !
From the aerial footage captured by their jet that was hovering nearby when things started getting complicated, he could see bizarro trading blows with it and the longer the battle continued the stronger the green being got and eventually was at a stale mate with him before swampthing emerged.
According to Grodd he sensed no limit to its anger given the fact that it was steadily increasing throughout the fight. The earlier assumption that bizarro saved their lives was still alive in his thoughts. He could have made an exceptional lacky had he been a little bit smart.
"Fascinating creature, isn't he?" Came a voice from the door causing him to jerk up immediately a little bit disoriented from the disturbance. He had specifically ordered his security team not to be disturbed. His hand tightened on the glass.
"What do you want?" Luthor asked cautious. He had tapped his laptop and saw every security personal at their stations and there was no way this guy just passed by all of them unnoticed.
Maybe it's in a time loop he thought watching the intruder walking over to his liquor cabinet, taking out a bottle and proceed to pour himself a drink.
"That is one question you do not want an answer to. The answer is beyond your comprehension." The stranger took a seat infront of his desk swirling the light brown drink in the glass he was holding.
"I seriously doubt that since here you are asking for my help." Luthor goaded. Everyone has an angle.
"I choose to overlook that statement but I am not here to ask for your help." He stated offended that this insignificant creature would think he can aid the god of war.
"Then what are you doing here and why go through the trouble of sneaking in" Luthor questioned his hand going for the concealed pistol under his desk noticing the look of disgust the man was throwing at him.
"Don't waste your time" he indicated to the pistol now in his hand which he crushed by closing his fist and the bullets imploding from the pressure of it all. It barely fazed him.
"I don't take joy in defeating the weak but it seems I will have to correct that now." He snapped his fingers and loud gun shots could be heard outside his door.
Looking at the monitor Luthor saw his security personnel engage each other in battle all clearly determined to kill the other.
According to the knowledge he picked up when researching the gods after Darkseids invasion, only Ares the god of war had control over chaos meaning this man was either the god in person or a messenger from him.
By the looks of things though it was the god himself and he won't have any security detail if this continued on. It's so hard to find loyal workers in this day and time was his thought.
"I get your point. Would you mind?" He motioned towards the door. The guy developed a smug expression and waved his hand stopping the bloodshed happening outside. The monitor showed them aiding each other with confused looks all wondering where all that anger came from.
"I'm guessing you want this guy too." Luthor theorized remembering what he said.
"You aren't wrong in your assumption." Ares agreed but added "I want all of them."
According to his tone Luthor knew that was non negotiable in whatever deal they were about to make. He let it slide. The only thing he needed was their DNA samples.
"How do you I know I can trust you?" Luthor inquired.
"You don't" Ares reiterated.
"Fair enough." He wouldn't trust anyone but himself too and it won't be the first time he made a deal with the devil.
"What do I get out of this?" Luthor was smart enough to think of the advantages of partnering up with a god.
"All the viable samples you need. That is what that scientist of yours is missing right?" Ares reveled in the shocked looked on luthors face before disappearing as fast as it came.
"How do you know about that?" He asked wondering who else knows. Maybe all the gods
"Please... You can't hide all those chaotic experiments from me." He dismissed his concerns sipping his liquor.
"However what i can do is shield you from prying eyes." He motioned upwards indicating the gods. "I already did by the way and that should be your motivation to serve me."
"Well..serve is search a strong term." Luthor began after getting over his shock.
"What about partner...assistant...consultant?" Serving anyone didn't sit right with him, god or not.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Ares was amused. No human ever refused to serve him after knowing his true identity. It must be all the power he thinks he has
"Now that we've gotten all the pleasantries out of the way, how will we go about this? These people aren't your typical damsels to just approach and kidnap one" Luthor said refilling his drink and reclining in his chair.
"That's why I came to you." Ares declared lighting up a cigar. His continuous presence on earth would raise suspicions from his parents thus he needed an intermediary and Luthor was the perfect one according to him. Wealthy, Powerful and Evil, his perfect combination.
Nightwing was going in and out of consciousness while being dragged along the hallway gunfire erupting all around him.
He was vaguely aware of what and where the person supporting him up by his shoulder was saying and taking him.
One moment he knew he was going to die then the next his torturers body dropped to the floor with a thud. A clean headshot visible on his forehead. The next thing to happen was being unchained and dragged for what seemed like hours to him but was only a couple of minutes. The pain from all over his body clouding his thoughts and movement slowing them down.
They came to a stop and noticed his helper was slapping him hard and were it not for the pain he was currently in he would have winced. He was pretty sure she was a girl from the glimpses of her cleavage that couldn't be ignored.
She was urgently shouting something at him while holding up and pointing to his utility belt. He tried his best to concentrate despite the pain and he saw the familiarity of the woman to the one who was with batman before his capture.
"I need you to override it." Black widow shouted the fifth time watching their back and peeking round the corner. During her time with batman when she helped him with the bane situation, she had sensed something watching them from a distance.
First she had assumed it was Batmans sidekick when he appeared out of nowhere and left it at that but when they took off with the batjet she had noticed another figure in the shadows moving to what she thought would be to help Nightwing secure Bane. Turns out she was wrong.
Doomsdays fight further made her to temporarily forget about it until a day later when she met up with batman again but he never mentioned anything pertaining to bane or the source he was after.
She initially thought he was holding out information on her especially after what they went through and started following up on it (because she was bored of sitting around too) with the help of Jarvis who had managed to discreetly hack into the nearby surveillance cameras and tracked the microscopic bug she had placed on Nightwing intending to get answers from him.
The EMP had been her first clue that not all was what it seemed and decided to investigate further.
Before she could proceed further her tracking device went offline indicating it was discovered.
She thought of informing batman but his busy schedule and with all the things happening discouraged her. Telling him would only divert his attention from his focus of finding out what was happening and plus, she could handle it a thought she was still confident of despite her current situation.
Her surveillance mission of the warehouse had quickly escalated when she heard a gun shot and had slipped into the warehouse, the guards oblivious to her presence.
"Stay with me!" She instructed when his eyes focused on her and she saw a glimmer of hope in them.
She was hoping he would recognize her because that was the only thing that would determine if he would comply with what she was asking of him.
Her own utility belt and twin guns had run out making her use the weapons she got off the people she killed.
If this belt is as impressive as his boss's then the chances of escape increased incredibly she thought. Stealth was her main weapon during mission a fact proved by how she had infiltrated this place but she wasn't against the idea of a loud entry and exit which they would have to do now.
"Where are we going?" Nightwing asked his voice hoarse from all the screaming.
"Where's batman?" He continued. "I didn't break" emotions threatening to overwhelm him watching the lady every now and the shoot around the corner.
"I know" her smile reassured him through his pain filled expression.
"It's just you and me now so I need you to let me use your tool" her suggestive smile making him ignore the pain a little. She held up his utility belt infront of his face then realization dawning on him and looked at her.
"It's clear we are going to be overrun and you are in no position to fight let alone use it" she pointed out upon seeing the hesitation in his eyes. He clearly didn't know enough about her to trust her easily.
The guns she was using ran out of bullets making her drop them to the floor.
"They're coming." She shouted over the gunshots cutting in a little close since she stopped firing.
Nightwing raised his hand and granted her temporary access which she then pulled out a grenade from one compartment and said something along the lines of "Brb" then took off ahead after a distant explosion was heard.
Leaning against and using the wall, he walked forward assuming the lady had already cleared the path from the groans he could hear up ahead.
Black widow was actually pleased that this belt was basically the same as Batmans the only difference being the weapons contained in it. She cleared the hallway and went back to support Nightwing using smoke bombs to mask them incase someone sneaked past her senses.
Despite the injury he sustained, Nightwing was determined to do his part by making his legs work and not be a drag after being rescued.
After fighting through a few more hallways, Black widow secured a humvee and hot wired it intending to drive through any barrier set up between them and freedom since the utility belt was also running low. This current predicament reminded her of her time with Hawkeye in Budapest. Good times
The Humvee tore through the first barrier while repelling bullets from all sides. Bulletproof vehicles were quiet handy some times she thought but frowned when she caught a glimpse of something closing in on them from the rear view mirror.
"RPG!" She shouted and prepared for impact with Nightwing's eyes widening and confirmed when he heard the warning.
The humvees back was hit propelling the car into the perimeter wall. Coming to, Black widow noticed Nightwing was passed out and the sound of gunfire still present but was not directed at them. In fact the previously approaching thugs were now retreating and aiming at something she couldn't see.
She punctured her air bag and unlocked her safety belt before doing the same for Nightwing. She got both of them out and were leaning against the wall when she saw him dealing with the last of the thugs.
Well somethings definately changed with him she thought as he was putting them down Hard. Screams emanating from the legs and hands bending broken. Having dealt with the last of them he approached.
"Good to see you in the neighbourhood." She knew he would show up and smiled wincing from the pain emanating from her ribs. I have to let this heal.
Batman did not answer but went straight to Nightwing and checked his vitals. He was stable but urgently needed medical attention.
"Batman to watchtower. He tapped his ear. "Prepare the infirmary. Nightwing needs urgent medical attention. Teleport us up."
Black widow moved near him and they were gone in a flash.
At the watchtower
Kara and Cate sat down in the cafeteria eating, listening and talking to each other.
The past hour was spent with Kara showing her around the watchtower and introducing her to some of the heroes who were curious enough to approach them while the rest waited to know who she was through gossip.
Shayera and Zatanna joined their table preferring to sit with them and their curiosity over the newcomer peaking in them. They were from foiling an evil magicians plan of converting everyone in New Orleans into vampires because of an inspiring film he had recently watched about the same.
"I'm so tired of magicians and their fucked up sense of reality." Shayera complained stabbing her food. "I don't mean you Zee" she added at shocked look on her face.
"You better not!" She said clearly offended.
"That guy wasn't a magician, just a wannabe tired of real life" she felt like defending magicians everywhere striving for good. But definitely not defending Constantine.
"I'm not. Hey Kara." She finally acknowledged the others.
"Hey" Kara replied looking between the two and Cate who was clearly waiting to be introduced to Zatana. She loved magic making Zee one of the league members she was excited about meeting.
"Who's your friend?" Zee asked studying the lady beside Kara. She looked farmiliar but couldn't quiet put together where she saw her from.
"Cate" she smiled at the magician then looked at Shayera.
Zee and Shayera still confused as to who this was turned to Kara. "Princess Cate of Themyscira"
"Oh" was all they could manage with open mouths staring at Cate.
"No fair!" Zee groaned still looking at her.
"I guess their whole family was blessed by their gods. Just when I thought the competition couldn't get any tougher here"
Shayera merely nodded having regained her composure and resumed eating occasionally looking at the girl. She definately had the beauty that was at par with Diana's.
"What are you talking about? What competition?" Cate asked puzzled. How would her presence affect the bet.
Maybe league members were the only ones allowed to compete she thought. Kara looked at her, her eyes apparently apologizing to her.
"She means you are as beautiful as your sister" came a voice from their back. Kara turned to see Huntress approach pulling a seat next to her before joining them.
"We already have enough competition from Kara here and the recently joined heroes. We just can't compete with your kind of beauty" huntress added taking some food from Karas plate.
"Ever the eaves dropper" Shayera muttered at her sudden appearance. Huntress was also the one to budge in on her and John when they were making out. She still held that situation over her head till date.
"Excuse me?" Huntress narrowed her eyes.
"Don't mind me, just here for the food." Shayera wasn't ready for that war.
"We mean you will have every male here eating out of the palms of your hand." Zee explained to cate. It's only fair for her to be prepared for that.
Realization dawned on cate by the disgusting face she was making at the insinuation. She knew her beauty much like her sisters would be a major factor when she came to mans world and by the leering looks directed at her and the comment she got from the flash, it had already began.
They were merely an inconvenience to her because she was not and would never initiate anything of the sort especially if she ever wanted to come back for another visit after the two months were over. Her mother would lock her up in her room for eternity and Diana won't be able to save her.
"Rest assured I do not want anyone eating from the palm of my hands." She assured them. "Plus I am just visiting and not joining."
"Well, that's too bad. I bet you are a badass" Huntress offered. She would be a great addition to the team if she was as trained as her sister in battle. "Huntress" she supplied her name.
"I'm her tour guide while she's with us" Kara beamed looking at the others.
"So that's why you haven't come around." Huntress stated to the fact that they would frequently partner up on missions together.
"I thinks someone's afraid of being replaced, jealous much?" Zee joked much to shayeras delight in the way she was chuckling.
"Atleast I have someone" huntress shot back much to Cates shock at the tone the women used clearly sensing impending violence.
"Don't mind them, they have a hard time giving complements." Kara assured her friend who was no doubt confused by her teammates retorts who were back to ignoring each other.
"So...who you got?" Shayera tried another topic. It was her favorite since she was a destined warrior in her homeworld.
"Superman" zee stated smiling clearly interested in the matter.
"Superman" was all their answers Kara and Cate included.
"I can't wait to watch them battle it out." Shayera stated with excitement. "I know the shapeshifter won't go down so easily."
"You keep forgetting he is just a shapeshifter. Nothing special with that." Huntress pointed out.
"Then you must have watched a different battle. He definately held his own against doomsday" Shayers defended her observation.
Kara watched the ladies converse knowing how wrong all their theories were. She was sure should they have known the truth about the Omnitrix then most likely half of them would bet in favor of Ben. He was apparently the prime version of a kryptonian. It still amazed her how the watch managed to do what the kryptonians were trying to achieve for thousands of years, complete perfection of their genes.
Cate smiled watching as the women seemed to balance between arguing and laughing as they conversed through various topics. It was refreshing talking with people who had a different mindset from her sisters back in the island not to mention the stories they told.
From her point of view the huntress and Zee lead a more interesting life than the others, according to their tales.
Kara was more reserved compared to her teammates, a trait she assumed was because of being supermans cousin therefore having to be wary of her behavior at all times.
"When are they due back?" Huntress asked no one in particular also interested in watching the match. She had really missed hanging out with her friends especially the snarky remarks from Zatana.
"In 24 hours" cate answered recalling what Victor told them about the attack in Almerac.
"They had to stop an invasion in Almerac." She added absentmindedly not noticing the expressions on the heroines faces apart from Kara who already knew.
"What? Who's dumb enough to attack Almerac?" Shayera almost shouted in disbelief. This was one of the few planets conquerors thought twice about starting a war with, a fact she knows having served in the Thanagarian army that was just as feared.
"When was that?" Zee asked looking to Kara for an explanation.
"We don't know the exact time but the invasion was thwarted and the prisoners were taken to OA." She tried to simplify it for them.
"I've always wanted to meet their queen" zee revealed. A woman who can fight superman and make him flee from her planet is someone she would definately meet.
"Don't tell me you believe that story too Zee." Huntress chided. Everyone has heard of that one rumor that has been circulating about superman ever since he went to space with Hal that one time and came back alone. Most were speculations.
"I've actually met their queen and I'm inclined to believe it." Shayera voiced out. Once she had been assigned to her protective detail when she had visited Thanagar.
"I doubt she's that bad. Plus I can't blame her. I wouldn't mind a piece of that myself" Huntress bit her lip suggestively.
"Count me in on that" Zee backed her up.
"That's my cousin you're talking about" Kara complained making a puking gesture. "Good to know I still have one loyal friend left" she gestured to Shayera who displayed a suggestive smile.
"Not you too" she hated listening to how other ladies wanted her cousin.
"Sorry" Shayera smiled at her.
"Do you know who attacked it?" Shayera asked her curiosity piqued even though she wasn't surprised the invasion was a total burst.
"Nope, we won't know till Hal and Ben returns." Kara didn't know how much the founding members wanted the others to know.
"Then let's ask them..." Zee stated sitting upright fixing her posture staring past Kara and Cates shoulder a smile cropping up on her face. Shayera noticing Zees smile turned to look at what she was staring at only to become hooked like her, straightening up a bit. This compelled the remaining ladies to turn.
"Oh." Kara and huntress perked up a bit. Only Cate was left confused. All she could see were a bunch of people talking with Thor.
"I didn't know they were back." Kara turned and faced her friends again suddenly feeling self aware.
Cate was still turned and staring in awe at the person who helped stop doomsday and looked like the fabled god of thunder, Thor and his mighty hammer Miljonir.
"Real subtle." Kara smirked at them.
"He's not complaining." Zee pointed out when Thor waved compelling Kara to turn back for another glimpse only to meet Bens eye for a second before he scanned the people in her table. She turned back.
"Who are those people?" Cate whispered to Kara.
"That's Hal the green lantern, Ben and Thor." Kara recited to her. Cate turned back to look at them.
"Someone's coming over" zee announced in a dissappointed tone. "It's the kid."
"Hello ladies?" Came Bens voice. He was in his original self. After delivering the ship to OA, the guardians were kind enough to allow them to use their teleporter to earth cutting shot their travel time.
They had then flown into the watchtower intending to grab something to eat but stumbled upon Thor whom had started up a conversation with them asking about their travels.
He and Hal intended to give their report during this emergency meeting superman had called. Turning to see whoever Thor was waving at he was met with the group of heroines all looking at them probably Thor and Hal he thought. He found himself head towards them with Hal muttering something along the lines of Hurry Up!
"Why'd your friend stay back?" Zee asked with a pout.
"Who? Hal?" Ben asked innocently smiling "He's heading into a meeting right now.. But I can call him back if you want..."
Zatanas expression changed "not him..just forget it. What do you want!?" She demanded trying to change the subject.
"I just wanted to greet you all and the guest." He said suddenly shy infront of these ladies gazes therefore choosing to switch between Kara and the new girl.
"Oh" Cate exclaimed at the sudden shift of attention.
"I'm Cate, princess of Themyscira" she introduced herself.
Bens eye brow scrunched up in thought "I thought that..."
"Yes, meet her sister." Kara completed his thought process. Why did everyone have a hard time believing Diana had a sister.
"Ben. It's nice to meet you" he waved at her noticing her intense gaze on him.
"I heard you saved Almerac." Huntress stated impatient to know what happened.
"Yeah...we stopped to help but they pretty much thwarted the invasion by themselves. Especially their queen" Ben couldn't help but add that statement and everyone perking up at the mention of the Queen. "She's a good fighter."
"Among many other things" zee mumbled.
"Excuse me?" Ben hadn't heard her clearly.
"Don't mind them. They're just sulking because Thor didn't come over." Kara tried explaining.
"Well, I better get going." Ben felt he couldn't stand the pressure from their gazes and started fidgeting where he stood beside a seated Zee. Gwen would never let him hear the end of this if she were here.
He abandoned his earlier plan when he spotted them and decided to abandon ship.
"Ladies." He gave a small bow to know one in particular and turned to leave.
"If only he was a few years older." Huntress commented after Ben walked away and most of the ladies agreeing with suggestive looks.
"What'd he want anyway?" Zee couldn't help but ask since he didn't answer all their questions.
"To welcome Cate to the watchtower." Shayera spoke up for Ben and Kara showing her agreement by nodding.
Cate watched Kara steal glances to look at Ben throughout his short time with them. She actually thought she saw Ben one time looking at her. She couldn't help but think how Ben who looked like a normal teenage boy was able to fight against that monstrous creature doomsday since she knew he was just a shapeshifter.
Sector 13121
Thanos inspected the damage done to the ship undergoing repairs. Nothing could be salvaged from the destroyed engines since whatever could not melt from the intense heat subjected to it was simply crushed by hand according to reports from The Maw who had personally witnessed the intruders various gifts while he fought to defend the ship. The few internal cameras that managed to capture him concurred with what the maw reported just like what Nebula and Gamora reported about the planet.
"She was stronger than the man." Gamora insisted to the Maw. "She destroyed that vessel in a few minutes" he had this idea that the queen proved to be far more resilient than the guy.
"No matter." The maw dismissed. "Given enough time I would have taken care of them myself." He declared vengeful thoughts swirling in his mind. He heard disbelieving scoffs come from the sisters but assumed them and concentrated on their father.
"The natives of the planet presented a challenge during the invasion sire. Each seemed to posses a certain degree of enhanced strength with abilities varying with the individual." Gamora spoke up starting a conversation no one wanted to touch. Their defeat.
"This universe is more evolved than ours and we will need to conduct research on every planet we intend to add to our campaign." Thanos stated. "This person who was with the lantern. Is he from that planet?" He inquired while The others relaxed their postures. Their father understood.
"I assumed him to be the king but according to reports Nebula dug up during our journey back, that planet is ruled by the queen and is one of the most respected planets in the universe." Gamora answered. They made sure to do extensive research on the first planet to deny them victory in this universe.
"Their extra ordinary super strength and advanced technology gives its army an advantage over many others" Nebula projected images from her left eye then added "the onboard network was temporarily hacked and some data compromised before I was able to kick them out."
She was currently carrying out a full diagnostics to determine what information was compromised and by who because whoever it was obliterated their ships firewall not caring about being discreet.
"What?" The Maw started getting angry. "You let the woman access our database!?"
Thanos had since stopped whatever he was doing and looked waiting for an explanation why they did not use their various protocols incase of such a breach.
"This was the ship that was actually hacked" nebula gestured to the ship and projecting a footage of the intruder moving at inhuman speeds locating the engines.
"That's how he was able to efficiently locate the engines" The Maw deflated at something occurring under his watch. What good is my telepathy to father if I couldn't figure that out myself he lamented.
"What did they take?" Thanos spoke up. This was the first time someone did such damage to one of their ships.
"Nothing of consequence father just The ships details and some files stored on board. They did not manage to access our main server." Nebula explained.
She had been notified of the hack after the intruder finished cracking through their firewalls and managed to kick him out after some minutes but that was all it took for him to retrieve some files.
"I want you to research on this universes strongest metals and weapons that can be used to modify our ships." Thanos commanded her daughter Nebula who bowed and walked out leaving Gamora and The Maw.
"I need you two to look into the anti life equation discreetly." He ordered them and they departed. "Everyone will be on guard after this"
Thanos was sure every would be conqueror of this universe had probably witnessed their failed attempt at invading Almerac and that put them at a disadvantage for he wanted to announce his campaign by capturing a green lantern while decimating another planet in the process.
The green lantern would have been a great source of information according to what he read about them and their mission. His daughter was already compiling a list of individuals and warlords who had enough power to hinder their success and so far Darkseid was at the top because they were now searching for the same power.
That's how he got to know about the New and Old gods. He had to keep off the old gods radar until he had successfully established himself and empire in this universe.
No doubt some of them know where the anti life equation was he thought walking out of the hanger.
At an undisclosed location.
The door was pushed open making her to reach for the concealed weapon under her desk and aimed for the girl who suddenly dropped her tablet on the floor and put her hands up with a frightened expression. She couldn't blame her though. From what she knew of her own reputation, the young girl probably knew she had messed up and would be shot dead right then.
"What is it?" Waller demanded angry at the sudden interruption. She put the gun away and closed her laptop.
"There's been a development" her voice was trembling no doubt still envision the gun pointed at her but continued "there's been an attack on one of our warehouses." passing on her tablet when Waller stretched out her hand.
From the pictures it was a bloodbath and Yvonne managed to view the first five before stopping completely. Her assistant didn't even want to read about it.
Waller did not recognize this particular warehouse but according to the details she was reading, it was definately theirs. They had so many black sites all over the world that it took great effort to oversee them all.
"What was taken?" She asked already cursing and thinking of ways to torture the person responsible.
"Nothing Sir." Yvonne began. She was also confused and had asked Ivan (her for former boss before being demoted by Waller) about it but it made no sense to him too.
Who would be foolish enough to come up with that plan let alone go through with it was Ivan's thought.
"Then why are you telling me this? Get a clean a clean up crew and handle it. Scrub the place clean. How long have you worked for me?" Waller started wondering whether promoting this lady was a mistake. The organizations protocols should be the only thing her employees think of when it comes to anything related to their line of work meaning contacting the cleaning up crew should have already been done.
Yvonne guessed what Waller was thinking about and decided to get to the point.
"Those aren't our men slaughtered there. That warehouse has been empty for close to two years now."
"What!?" Waller exclaimed opening her laptop again and typing into it. Judging by the expression Yvonne saw on her face she was way past angry now.
"He's dead Sir. An apparent suicide 7 hours ago." Yvonne anticipated and informed her moments before she asked the question. Up until the previous month, the reports received from the special agent assigned to that particular warehouse had no details of it being infiltrated or anything meaning he had been colluding with whoever was doing it.
"Damn it!" It was only a matter of time till she received a call if the mole placed in her organization heard about this.
"Who knows about this?" Hearing only Yvonne, her two associates and the clean up crew among the people in the know made her relax a little.
"What were they using it for?" Waller finally asked the question she dreaded. It was common knowledge to use the art of misdirection in their line of work if one intended not to be blamed for hideous crimes and she was sure the person responsible for this was powerful enough to use CADMUS as his smokescreen as anyone investigating would link the warehouse to her if they knew what to look for.
It was high time she got her house in order.
After hearing of her reputation throughout the years, Waller had decided to take things down a notch meaning less brutality in her dealings and instead focused on negotiation tactics. It seems some people thought she had gone soft and was now not a threat.
Okay, if that's how they want to play it
Yvonne grew cautious of the evil smile that hinted on her boss's face. "They used it to hold Nightwing hostage. Batman's sidekick." She reached forward tapping on the tablet still in wallers possession and a video from a security camera in a nearby warehouse showed a glimpse of a limping Nightwing being supported by a woman before going out of view.
"Batman doesn't kill." Waller stated a fact known throughout the underworld. He may occasionally maim but never would he take a life but by the amount of bodies she saw strewn about in the pictures he must have had a hand in aiding his sidekicks escape.
"We don't have proof of his involvement but evidence shows she is involved and was the one to kill most of the captors inside the warehouse." She explained pointing to the woman. "She must be the one who helped fight against doomsday"
Wallers eyes lit up with recognition at that comment.
Yes she thought.
The right outfit and body build and apparently quite skilled. She would definately get a visit from the dark night some time soon.
"Survivors?" Waller inquired. If she didn't know any better someone was framing her and this could lead to a confrontation with the justice league, something she wasn't ready for given the number of new friends they had.
"A few. Death stroke has been activated." Yvonne mentioned with Waller nodding in approval.
"Location?" She asked getting up from her desk heading to the door. She needed answers to confirm what she was thinking. There was only a handful of people who could pull such a stunt.
"Already fed it into your gprs" Yvonne answered intending to return to the control room where she left Tech 2 and Ivan trying to figure out the one responsible for all this.
"You're coming with me" a statement that made her freak out more than when a gun had been pulled on her earlier.
Why me! he mentally complained trying not to think of what she will have to witness now that she had taken Ivan's job.
At the watchtower.
"How is he?" Batmans thoughts was diverted after exiting the infirmary heading to the conference room. Black widow had been waiting outside for close to thirty minutes for any good news.
I hope I wasn't late...I should've brought back...I should've atleast told him were some of the thoughts on her mind.
Batman stopped walking and turned to face her. "Why didn't you call it in!?" He half demanded an answer. A joint effort meant the extraction could have been short and more efficient.
"How is he?" She repeated. She needed to know and Batman saw the expression on her face.
"He's stable but in intensive care." He still expected an answer from her which wouldn't be given to him by the apparent expression on her face.
"That is not how we do things here!" He suppressed the anger welling up inside him "who knows what would've have happened if I hadn't shown up!" He stressed incase she didn't see the gravity of the situation she was in.
When he had finally located and was surveying the warehouse from his batjet (newly acquired), rapid gunfire coming from inside forced him to infiltrate its perimeter without coming up with a viable strategy.
Without a plan or the element of surprise on his side, it took sometime for him to make his way past the security detail outside the warehouse and then noticed most firepower was focused on the humvee trying to make an escape.
By the time he figured out the identity of the passengers, an RPG had already been fired and the vehicle slamming hard on the perimeter wall. Something inside him clicked. He can't remember if he killed anyone while trying to get to them though he knew majority received fractures and most likely won't walk for some time or use their hand for that matter.
"Then It's a good thing you showed up otherwise I would have been forced to kill as many of them as possible." She stated, a fierce expression on her face. In no universe will Black widow go out without a fight.
The stare down continued for a couple of seconds before Batman turned and walked out the widow in toe. She swore to herself she saw hint of a smile in that angry expression of his.
All available heroes were seated in the conference room chatting among themselves when the two entered and batman sat at the head of the table with Captain America seated at the other end.
In attendance was Superman, Wonderwoman, Thor, Flash, Wanda, J'onn, Banner, Black widow, Ben and Green lantern. Cyborg and Shazam were currently on monitor duty and in charge of the other heroes when they were still in the meeting.
"Where's Clint?" Black widow had not seen her friend for hours now.
"He's dealing with some things back on earth" Cap whispered to her and glad that she was okay.
"He's with Tony." He added already knowing what she was intending to ask again confirmed by her nod.
"How is he?" Cap asked her but got an answer from batman instead.
"He's stable. The doctors are still tending to him for all of you wondering about the same." They needed to get to the bottom of whatever was happening.
The watchtower was buzzing with chatter on Nightwing's condition after they witnessed his arrival with batman and black widow by his side. Batgirl had teleported up to join the long line of heroes waiting to hear news about their friend and teammate.
It's a good thing the justice league was well funded and had the best medical doctors and equipments at their disposal.
"He is a fighter." J'onn added having sensed the young hero's will to live when he was brought in. "Do you have any leads as to who was behind it?" He asked looking at batman. He was always a step ahead of his enemies however not in this case.
"We're working on it." He stated assuming everyone knew he was talking about black widow who was scheming through the tablet infront of her.
"Wow! When I never thought he could willingly admit to working with somebody" flash whispered to Hal and Ben who maintained a straight face looking ahead much to his confusion but soon figured out why.
"Flash. Do you have any suggestion on who they are so you could enlighten us?" Thor beat batman at asking him having also noticed his hushed whispering.
"Uh..not really.." He quickly recovered. "But I will help in whatever's necessary to bring them in" Nice save
"We will all help." Cap reiterated regarding his team and the justice league nodded.
"I'll help too." Ben added feeling left out. He had been busy looking over all the information Trixx was sorting out for him through his HUD eyes and displaying various results. She was currently displaying information retrieved from that main ship he was trying to decommission.
"Good. I thought you were to report back in 24 hrs time?" Wonderwoman asked looking at Ben and Hal. She was surprised when they turned up for the meeting having been briefed by cyborg on their arrival time. From supermans and Batmans expressions she could tell they were also interested in that answer.
Of course he knows about the Almerac invasion despite everything that took place she thought.
"We used the guardians teleporter." Hal explained hoping it was enough.
"I didn't know they had a teleporter." J'onn thought out loud. In his very long life he had never heard of them possessing one. Now that he thought about it, it was stupid to assume they didn't have one.
"They deemed it necessary to be used because of the attack on Almerac." He answered while the others were busy reading through the report on their tablets.
"Thanos!" Thor chocked out his name causing everyone to look at him and prompting him to continue "Thanos commands the chitauri. The creatures you fought against"
"Who's Thanos?" Cap asked him the only unknown matter to them as they had fought against the chitauri before when they were under Lokis command.
"Who are those?" Flash asked when he noticed Thor tense when muttering the names. Anything that made that powerhouse tense was bad news according to him.
Everyone listened in when Thor began retelling the stories he heard of the mad Titan and his campaign to bring balance to the universe by killing half the population in every planet he conquered.
Meanwhile Ben had attempted to search for that name in the files he retrieved but came up blank.
The connection to their main server was cut before I was able to hack into it was Trixxs explanation when he mentally asked her about it.
"So the guardians are not the only ones who are more technologically advanced than earth." Ben asked Trixx recalling on how it took her longer than usual to infiltrate and retrieve files pertaining to the ships design.
I detected the presence of an AI that immediately cut all connections when I had attempted to breach their main server was Trixx answer. Ben had interacted with her long enough to fill in the blanks whenever she gave answers and in this case if the connection wasn't cut she could have accessed the server.
It still intrigued him to know she still had the capacity to evolve with her currently developing her own algorithms based on the ones retrieved from the lanterns and the ships specs and infusing it with her own. A part of her processing power was set aside to handle that with the lanterns code adaptation currently at 11%.
"It might have been a shock to the black order when they invaded this planet without proper planning. It seems this universe is more evolved than our own." Their universe did not have a planet full of super powered being like Almerac or Krypton.
"Retreat is a harsh wake up call" Wanda added her opinion. When their base had been attacked she had felt the determination emanating from Bizarro when he battled against the hulk and the anger that replaced every other feeling from it when he knew he would have to make a run for it. She assumed every would be conquerer would be inclined to feel like that.
"They had no choice." Hal pointed out. "The Almeracians were actually holding there own against them. All we did was take out their ships."
"I managed to get a map of their ships but I'm guessing they will look to change their design once they figure that out." Ben added then proceeded to project its hologram via the watchtowers system onto their conference table.
"Those were initially weak points in their ships." The major things like engine rooms, thrusters and control rooms were highlighted for most of them to see.
"You hacked them" it was more of a statement than question from batman.
"Had no choice." He replied. No one in the room seem surprised. "Though they cut off the connection to their main server before I could hack it and this is all I got." He added anticipating their next question.
"Did you meet the queen?" Black widow asked still looking over the report and details about Almerac still in awe how a whole planet could be so powerful.
"Yes we did." Hal answered. "She actually subdued two of the commanders. I'd hate to be them right now just thinking of the mood she could be in."
"Tell me about it." Superman unconsciously crossed his legs recalling the first time he met the queen. She hit hard and it took all his power just to escape that planet since he was not as powerful as he is now.
Something occurred to batman, "if you met Maxima then..."
Following his line of thought Ben nodded lifting his arm indicating the Omnitrix, something Hal and the others noticed thud having a hard time not looking at the watch.
"I actually saw it happen. Kind of cool." Hal admitted then a smile formed on his face.
"You could've seen the way Maxima threw herself at him." He added causing Bens face to heat up a little at the attention and memory of that encounter.
Trixx had brought any and all information regarding Almerac and the queen which suggested that had it not been for them teleporting away, he would have had to literally fight the queen to get away, something he knew by the consoling look on supermans face to him.
"Such a vulgar woman. Doesn't she know you're just but a child." Wonderwoman muttered then looked at Clark no doubt recalling the story he had told her about his encounter.
Ben on the other hand was blushing and fidgeting in his seat unable to retort a wise crack at Wonderwomans comment. Something about her just garnered respect plus she seemed ticked off in regards to this topic.
"Well...to be fair he was a 28 years old version of Thor" Hal pointed out gesturing to Thor. "She didn't know about the watch or him being underage." He smiled mischievously.
"Hey! I'm practically 23!" Ben shoved Hal's shoulder while the rest just chuckled at his outburst.
"When I say it I'm suddenly the bad guy" Hal retorted meaning the earlier comment from Wonderwoman.
"The difference is I can actually hit you!" Ben suddenly wished he could've missed this meeting and stayed chatting with the heroines.
"It's a good thing she doesn't know about the watch." Batman concluded.
Everyone knew Maximas family and their obsession with interbreeding with the best genes available to them and with Ben she could have a million of them.
That is if he could even conceive when he changes to a different specie he thought.
"You may not be the only ones who could have traveled to this universe. This thanos guy proves it." J'onn who was mostly quiet spoke up.
"That's what the guardians are investigating. They maybe starting with that Thanos since they have his ship." came from Hal.
"Maybe but we still need to do our own investigations. I have spoken with Captain America and we've decided any information found concerning anything to do with whatever's going on will be funneled through Banner and J'onn. Aside from the official control room, we are setting up another one that will be accessed by only the founding members, the avengers and Ben." He announced while Cap, Banner and J'onn rose up and nodded accepting the responsibility.